Press Release

LEGENDARY 50/50 RAFFLE KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND AT ELDORA

ROSSBURG, Ohio (May 8, 2015) – It’s one of the most popular events at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.

And it doesn’t involve racing and it only costs $1.

The popular Eldora 50/50 raffle kicks off the 2015 season at the ‘Mother of All Sprint Car Weekends’ tonight and tomorrow night. The event is held throughout most races with half of the jackpot going to the person with the winning ticket, while the other half is donated to the Tony Stewart Foundation (TSF) and the two selling charities that officials from Eldora have selected.

Tickets are just $1 and are sold in the grandstands throughout the early part of the event.

West Ohio Food Bank from Lima, Ohio and the Center for Neurological Development of Burkettsville, Ohio will again be the selling charities in 2015. Volunteers from the 501c3 organizations are familiar faces throughout the grandstands and pit area on race nights.

The net proceeds from the 50/50 for TSF was more than $136,000 of which 100 percent was placed in the TSF Grants Program. Last year, TSF celebrated its third largest grant year awarding $675,625 to 89 separate organizations operating in 25 different states.

The mission of the Tony Stewart Foundation is to provide grant funding to well-qualified organizations serving children who are critically ill or physically disabled; animals at-risk or endangered; and drivers injured in the sport of motor racing.

It’s part of Eldora Speedway’s act of giving back to the communities that support the legendary half-mile clay oval. Local church groups, school groups and teams, and service groups also raise money by working throughout the facility.

“We worked hard to bring the 50/50 back late in 2012 and we’ve had great success with it,” said Roger Slack, general manager of Eldora. “It was one of Eldora’s great traditions and fans can win some big money. Last year five people won more than $10,000 with three of them winning more than $20,000 and one winning more than $30,000. Plus, we raise a lot of money for the Tony Stewart Foundation, the West Ohio Food Bank and the Center for Neurological Development.

Since carved from a cornfield in the natural amphitheater that existed between the Eldora Ballroom and the Wabash River by bandleader Earl Baltes in 1954, Eldora Speedway has grown to be a frontrunner in motorsports growth and stability. Celebrating its 62nd season in 2015, Eldora hosts the biggest events in short-track racing including the 21st annual Dirt Late Model Dream by Ferris Mowers; the 32nd annual Kings Royal Weekend; the third NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 1-800-CAR-CASH Mud Summer Classic; and the 45th annual World 100. The complete schedule for Eldora’s 62nd consecutive season, including ticket and campsite information, is available at www.EldoraSpeedway.com and can be requested by phone at (937) 338-3815. Fans can get behind-the-scenes access of Eldora Speedway by following @EldoraSpeedway on Twitter, hitting ‘Like’ at www.facebook.com/EldoraSpeedway and on www.youtube.com/EldoraSpeedwayInc. The Eldora Speedway app for the iPhone, iPad and Android is available for free download via iTunes and Google Play.